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Bucket List Christmas #1
Tinsel in Telluride
All I want for Christmas is to fix what I broke ten years ago.
Of course, that’s easier said than done.
Leighton James has every right to hate me.
I ruined her life.
Then, when I had the chance to apologize three years ago, we found the nearest closet and let the liquor do the talking instead.
Now, with a new MLB partnership on the line, we’re forced to work together. And while Leigh is focused on avoiding me at all costs, I’m determined to convince her I’m not the guy she thinks I am.
That is until I find out our one-night stand left her with more than just the memory of me. She has a son, and his eyes are the same shade of blue as mine.
Angry and hurt, I vow I won’t miss another moment of his life. Even if that means tricking Leigh into spending the holidays in the snowy town of Telluride with me and my best friends.
My only hope is that the magic of Christmas can thaw her heart and give me the family I’ve always wanted.
Of course, that’s easier said than done.
Leighton James has every right to hate me.
I ruined her life.
Then, when I had the chance to apologize three years ago, we found the nearest closet and let the liquor do the talking instead.
Now, with a new MLB partnership on the line, we’re forced to work together. And while Leigh is focused on avoiding me at all costs, I’m determined to convince her I’m not the guy she thinks I am.
That is until I find out our one-night stand left her with more than just the memory of me. She has a son, and his eyes are the same shade of blue as mine.
Angry and hurt, I vow I won’t miss another moment of his life. Even if that means tricking Leigh into spending the holidays in the snowy town of Telluride with me and my best friends.
My only hope is that the magic of Christmas can thaw her heart and give me the family I’ve always wanted.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 12, 2024
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December 14, 2024UPDATED 12/14/24
I initially abandoned it but curiosity killed the cat so I decided to finish it and boy do I regret it!
SPOILERS BELOW. You have been warned!!!
So this is sort of enemies to lovers trope. MCs met 10 yrs prior when FMC was 15 and MMC 19. She & his sister were BFFs and both families were rich and for some lame & stupid reason, MMC's Mother did not like that FMC's parents were getting so much attention from town folks and becoming more popular then them so MMC decides to sabotage them to please his Mother by planting a necklace of his Mother's in FMC's pocket to make it look as if she was a thief. This caused a lot of humiliation for her & her family and to be ostracized by town folks. It's mentioned that her parents also soon after died but we don't know how or why but this left her with trust and abandonment issues so she leaves town. But 10 years later, we learn that in the intervening years MMC has tried numerous times to apologize to her because he regrets his actions but she doesn't want anything to do with him or his family.
However, three years prior, MC's attend an event and they have "hate sex" in a closet up against a vending machine. A week earlier, FMC had a ONS with a random dude she picked on the night of her parent's death anniversary and bingo she gets pregnant and doesn't know who the baby daddy is. I should mention that FMC said she has a hook up every year with random men on the anniversary of her parents death. 🤯.. why? Who knows. 🤷♀️
So in the present, we have a "who is the Daddy" theme going on which doesn't shine a good light on a fictional FMC. So first strike.
Second strike? We have an MMC who has Mommy issues and a need to make a family. He has a twin & 2 BFFs who are always there to set him straight because boy is this f****r dumb! FMC was upfront with him that the kid may not be his and not to get too attached but this dude got attached anyway.
What annoyed me the most though is his crude & vile remarks in the beginning and for more than half of the story where he tells his brother & I think his friends too that FMC gives "good head" and that she was the best he ever had who gave BJs. This is a recurring theme here because in his POVs & talks with his bro & also FMC this is constantly mentioned and it paints her as a ho and slutty. So why would I want my FMC to be portrayed as such? Is she just a piece of a*s to him then only? How romantic, right?
There's also a POV of his in the beginning where he says that he wants to marry and make a family with FMC even though up until that point in the 10 years, they have had zero interactions, don't know each other at all and nor did he ever offer an apology for his treatment & actions towards her in the past. When it finally comes towards the end, it is so lame and he acts as if it was nothing. He also states that FMC is not the type of woman he would have ever considered being his baby momma and marrying. Also nice. So strike 3 if we are counting.
Strike 4, there is no romance here. They basically fall in love with the kid (he, his bro & friends) and we have cute toddler moments here & there and some light Dom/Sub sex where MMC is the bitch in this role play and voila! Suddenly they are in love.
Last strike is a douzy. After all this nonsense & torture, author decides to make the kid the OM's in the end. 🤦Why you say? Who knows. For a fictional romance, at the very least make the damn kid the MMCs for Pete's sake! We had all this hoopla of being told throughout the story that MMC thinks of the kid as his and wants him to be his and that he would be crushed if he wasn't, and also FMC constantly warning that if the kid is the OM's he may not be able to handle it and that in the future, the OM may do an ancestor test or something and find out he has a kid and want a role in his kid's life, etc. but all that goes flying out the window and we only get a sentence at the end where MMC states he knew before the paternity test came in that he wouldn't be the kid's Dad because of the kid's nose or something and seemed a bit sad/disappointed. That's in the epilogue where he is about to adopt him. So great. Ruin the ending too while you are at it.
And speaking of ending, FMC says she doesn't want to get married or have any more kids and doesn't want to move towns (she is in NY, he is in CA) so MMC makes all the sacrifices and she none but after all this POV from her, suddenly on next page we have a proposal and she says yes to marriage. 🙄 Clearly these two suck and any moment now they will be in splitville with a very f****d up kid stuck in the middle.🥱
Safety:
MMC was a Manho up until their hate hookup. He stated that he was seen with different women on his arm in the press but it never went anywhere.
FMC came across as slutty with her annual ONS hookups and her "pro" BJs status but she said she was not with anyone since last hooking up with MMC
No OM/OW drama
No OP scenes
HEA months or a year later (can't remember) with a proposal where MMC decides to take the FMC's last name 🙄 and an adoption of said kid .
I initially abandoned it but curiosity killed the cat so I decided to finish it and boy do I regret it!
SPOILERS BELOW. You have been warned!!!
So this is sort of enemies to lovers trope. MCs met 10 yrs prior when FMC was 15 and MMC 19. She & his sister were BFFs and both families were rich and for some lame & stupid reason, MMC's Mother did not like that FMC's parents were getting so much attention from town folks and becoming more popular then them so MMC decides to sabotage them to please his Mother by planting a necklace of his Mother's in FMC's pocket to make it look as if she was a thief. This caused a lot of humiliation for her & her family and to be ostracized by town folks. It's mentioned that her parents also soon after died but we don't know how or why but this left her with trust and abandonment issues so she leaves town. But 10 years later, we learn that in the intervening years MMC has tried numerous times to apologize to her because he regrets his actions but she doesn't want anything to do with him or his family.
However, three years prior, MC's attend an event and they have "hate sex" in a closet up against a vending machine. A week earlier, FMC had a ONS with a random dude she picked on the night of her parent's death anniversary and bingo she gets pregnant and doesn't know who the baby daddy is. I should mention that FMC said she has a hook up every year with random men on the anniversary of her parents death. 🤯.. why? Who knows. 🤷♀️
So in the present, we have a "who is the Daddy" theme going on which doesn't shine a good light on a fictional FMC. So first strike.
Second strike? We have an MMC who has Mommy issues and a need to make a family. He has a twin & 2 BFFs who are always there to set him straight because boy is this f****r dumb! FMC was upfront with him that the kid may not be his and not to get too attached but this dude got attached anyway.
What annoyed me the most though is his crude & vile remarks in the beginning and for more than half of the story where he tells his brother & I think his friends too that FMC gives "good head" and that she was the best he ever had who gave BJs. This is a recurring theme here because in his POVs & talks with his bro & also FMC this is constantly mentioned and it paints her as a ho and slutty. So why would I want my FMC to be portrayed as such? Is she just a piece of a*s to him then only? How romantic, right?
There's also a POV of his in the beginning where he says that he wants to marry and make a family with FMC even though up until that point in the 10 years, they have had zero interactions, don't know each other at all and nor did he ever offer an apology for his treatment & actions towards her in the past. When it finally comes towards the end, it is so lame and he acts as if it was nothing. He also states that FMC is not the type of woman he would have ever considered being his baby momma and marrying. Also nice. So strike 3 if we are counting.
Strike 4, there is no romance here. They basically fall in love with the kid (he, his bro & friends) and we have cute toddler moments here & there and some light Dom/Sub sex where MMC is the bitch in this role play and voila! Suddenly they are in love.
Last strike is a douzy. After all this nonsense & torture, author decides to make the kid the OM's in the end. 🤦Why you say? Who knows. For a fictional romance, at the very least make the damn kid the MMCs for Pete's sake! We had all this hoopla of being told throughout the story that MMC thinks of the kid as his and wants him to be his and that he would be crushed if he wasn't, and also FMC constantly warning that if the kid is the OM's he may not be able to handle it and that in the future, the OM may do an ancestor test or something and find out he has a kid and want a role in his kid's life, etc. but all that goes flying out the window and we only get a sentence at the end where MMC states he knew before the paternity test came in that he wouldn't be the kid's Dad because of the kid's nose or something and seemed a bit sad/disappointed. That's in the epilogue where he is about to adopt him. So great. Ruin the ending too while you are at it.
And speaking of ending, FMC says she doesn't want to get married or have any more kids and doesn't want to move towns (she is in NY, he is in CA) so MMC makes all the sacrifices and she none but after all this POV from her, suddenly on next page we have a proposal and she says yes to marriage. 🙄 Clearly these two suck and any moment now they will be in splitville with a very f****d up kid stuck in the middle.🥱
Safety:
MMC was a Manho up until their hate hookup. He stated that he was seen with different women on his arm in the press but it never went anywhere.
FMC came across as slutty with her annual ONS hookups and her "pro" BJs status but she said she was not with anyone since last hooking up with MMC
No OM/OW drama
No OP scenes
HEA months or a year later (can't remember) with a proposal where MMC decides to take the FMC's last name 🙄 and an adoption of said kid .
December 13, 2024
This story!! One of my new favorite Christmas books. I came for the enemies to lovers aspect but left with a heartwarming story of found family and so many fun Christmas festivities and traditions. There is some angst, some spice, lots of chemistry and two people trying to figure things out and slowly falling in love.
December 24, 2024
ARC REVIEW
When a one night stand turns into a surprise that Leigh plans to tell no one suddenly years later it comes to a halt when she is forced into doing a work deal with her enemy. There was always a mutual attraction between the two, but also so much banter! I really loved seeings both sides of these characters.
Leigh has taken on the role of single mom, and is such a strong FMC, but I loved seeing Luca perfectly work into something he never thought was truly for him. The whole back story of why they do “ Bucket List “ Christmas trips was honestly the sweetest thing. This was a fast pace book, and reads more like a slightly extended novella!
When a one night stand turns into a surprise that Leigh plans to tell no one suddenly years later it comes to a halt when she is forced into doing a work deal with her enemy. There was always a mutual attraction between the two, but also so much banter! I really loved seeings both sides of these characters.
Leigh has taken on the role of single mom, and is such a strong FMC, but I loved seeing Luca perfectly work into something he never thought was truly for him. The whole back story of why they do “ Bucket List “ Christmas trips was honestly the sweetest thing. This was a fast pace book, and reads more like a slightly extended novella!
December 11, 2024
I fell in love with this author after reading Renegade Ruin (which, if you haven't read it, I recommend you do), and I am so glad I did. This features some of the same characters that played a part in Willow's story, and I am glad I knew the connections going into this one. Not a "have to", but a recommendation.
This has many things going on, and lots of emotions bouncing around! I was surprised at how easily I attached myself the the guy's emotions and their "found family" energy. Absolutely - this is all about Leigh and her son Zach - and the maybe/maybe not baby daddy, Luca. The angst between them, the second chance reconciliation, and the steamy chemistry between them was delicious, but Holt, Bast, and Enzo are just as much a part of what makes this story so fun to read.
I encourage you to read this author's works, as I have found them to be very enjoyable - full of heart warming and heart breaking situations, and I can not WAIT for the next Christmas trip these guys take! Fortunate to have received a complimentary copy of this book (thank you), I happily leave my review.
This has many things going on, and lots of emotions bouncing around! I was surprised at how easily I attached myself the the guy's emotions and their "found family" energy. Absolutely - this is all about Leigh and her son Zach - and the maybe/maybe not baby daddy, Luca. The angst between them, the second chance reconciliation, and the steamy chemistry between them was delicious, but Holt, Bast, and Enzo are just as much a part of what makes this story so fun to read.
I encourage you to read this author's works, as I have found them to be very enjoyable - full of heart warming and heart breaking situations, and I can not WAIT for the next Christmas trip these guys take! Fortunate to have received a complimentary copy of this book (thank you), I happily leave my review.
December 30, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
When I saw the tropes for this book I knew i absolutely needed to sign up to read it! With it being a Christmas novel, it also has amazing tropes like Billionaire, One Night Stand Turned Secret Baby, Forced Proximity, Christmas Vacation, Enemies to Lovers.. the list goes on. What I wasn’t expecting was just a very sweet, very beautiful story of a one of a kind Found Family, Personal Acceptance, and Growth between these characters!
Luca and Leigh hooked up one night, YEARS AGO, for a hate-f**k ONS. This was the same week Leigh hooked up with some random bar dude and the resulting pregnancy came as a big surprise to her, and created a secret that she didn’t tell anyone. No one was supposed to know.
That’s until Leigh is forced to work with Luca again on a project for Renegade Hearts, and he suggests she join him on a trip to Telluride to sort things out. Well, that’s when the fact that she’s a parent to a toddler comes out, and Luca needs answers.
I did really enjoy seeing Luca go from Alphahole to Gentleman! I didn’t enjoy his character in the beginning, and I didn’t know if I was ever going to be able to connect with his brooding demeanour. But this man really went out of his way to care for Leigh’s son, and to make his intentions known. That little boy was so loved by Luca and his best friends, and it was beautiful to see.
Leigh is 100% the star of this show! She’s a bad ass woman, single mama, HBIC, and she doesn’t take a single second of Lucas crap without handing it right back to him. She’s worked hard, and she’s not about to trip all over herself for a man who’s trying to win her heart. She makes him work for it, and he does.
If you’re looking for something light on the heart, quirky, fun, christmassy, sweet, and just overall good times, you’ll love these three (because really without that little boy, there would be something missing 🥹).
I can’t wait to see if the other boys get their HEAs ! I’m sure they’ll be just as sweet.
🌶️
When I saw the tropes for this book I knew i absolutely needed to sign up to read it! With it being a Christmas novel, it also has amazing tropes like Billionaire, One Night Stand Turned Secret Baby, Forced Proximity, Christmas Vacation, Enemies to Lovers.. the list goes on. What I wasn’t expecting was just a very sweet, very beautiful story of a one of a kind Found Family, Personal Acceptance, and Growth between these characters!
Luca and Leigh hooked up one night, YEARS AGO, for a hate-f**k ONS. This was the same week Leigh hooked up with some random bar dude and the resulting pregnancy came as a big surprise to her, and created a secret that she didn’t tell anyone. No one was supposed to know.
That’s until Leigh is forced to work with Luca again on a project for Renegade Hearts, and he suggests she join him on a trip to Telluride to sort things out. Well, that’s when the fact that she’s a parent to a toddler comes out, and Luca needs answers.
I did really enjoy seeing Luca go from Alphahole to Gentleman! I didn’t enjoy his character in the beginning, and I didn’t know if I was ever going to be able to connect with his brooding demeanour. But this man really went out of his way to care for Leigh’s son, and to make his intentions known. That little boy was so loved by Luca and his best friends, and it was beautiful to see.
Leigh is 100% the star of this show! She’s a bad ass woman, single mama, HBIC, and she doesn’t take a single second of Lucas crap without handing it right back to him. She’s worked hard, and she’s not about to trip all over herself for a man who’s trying to win her heart. She makes him work for it, and he does.
If you’re looking for something light on the heart, quirky, fun, christmassy, sweet, and just overall good times, you’ll love these three (because really without that little boy, there would be something missing 🥹).
I can’t wait to see if the other boys get their HEAs ! I’m sure they’ll be just as sweet.
December 7, 2024
3.75 ⭐ A quick, cute, second chance story. They had a hate yet attracted to each other kind of relationship for 10 years, but 3 years ago they hooked up and a little surprise was created.
I loved the friendships between all the guys and their Christmas tradition. I wish we had gotten more of her and her girlfriends but then again this whole story takes place within a week. Which is why this is a 3.75 for me. I wish we had gotten a little bit more about their past (like a prologue) and that all this would have happened over maybe a few weeks time. There was just so much that could have been more, but I still really liked the story
I loved the friendships between all the guys and their Christmas tradition. I wish we had gotten more of her and her girlfriends but then again this whole story takes place within a week. Which is why this is a 3.75 for me. I wish we had gotten a little bit more about their past (like a prologue) and that all this would have happened over maybe a few weeks time. There was just so much that could have been more, but I still really liked the story
December 12, 2024
Two hook-ups two years ago, one stranger and one with the guy who damaged you the most when you were teenagers. SURPRISE unexpected pregnancy. Now Leigh has to face her fears when Luca wants to get to know Zach, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸-his potential son.
𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞, 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧♥️
There were so many realistic emotions throughout all these chapters and I felt every one of them. Leigh and Luca have such big, explosive personalities! With that comes the heat in every argument or debate. Something else too😉😉
Everything about their situation is complicated. Their past is still a huge source of pain for the both of them. Not that we approve of what Luca did, but once he explains why he made the choice, I had to give him more credit (I was slightly seething prior because wtf Luca). Really loved how their relationship shifted!!
The sweet scenes between Zach and Luca had my heart exploding, the text messages in some of the chapters were peak humor, the Christmas activities were so fun, and the tension *phew*. I CONSUMED this book.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞? I was living my best life during the spicy scenes with these two. It was the best of both worlds- her being more dominant and him being submissive and vice versa! Obviously mmc's leading sexy scenes is incredibly attractive but wow do I love when fmc's take control🥵
"𝘕𝘰𝘸 𝘣𝘦 𝘢 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘣𝘰𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘬𝘪𝘴𝘴 𝘮𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘰𝘦"
The friends in this book were some of my favorites. Bash and Holt, plus Luca's twin brother Enzo had me laughing with most of their conversations. Their friend group is real entertaining and the reason they get together for the holidays each year was both sweet and sad. Hayden just writes amazing friendships!!
𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐨𝐫.
𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞, 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧♥️
There were so many realistic emotions throughout all these chapters and I felt every one of them. Leigh and Luca have such big, explosive personalities! With that comes the heat in every argument or debate. Something else too😉😉
Everything about their situation is complicated. Their past is still a huge source of pain for the both of them. Not that we approve of what Luca did, but once he explains why he made the choice, I had to give him more credit (I was slightly seething prior because wtf Luca). Really loved how their relationship shifted!!
The sweet scenes between Zach and Luca had my heart exploding, the text messages in some of the chapters were peak humor, the Christmas activities were so fun, and the tension *phew*. I CONSUMED this book.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞? I was living my best life during the spicy scenes with these two. It was the best of both worlds- her being more dominant and him being submissive and vice versa! Obviously mmc's leading sexy scenes is incredibly attractive but wow do I love when fmc's take control🥵
"𝘕𝘰𝘸 𝘣𝘦 𝘢 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘣𝘰𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘬𝘪𝘴𝘴 𝘮𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘰𝘦"
The friends in this book were some of my favorites. Bash and Holt, plus Luca's twin brother Enzo had me laughing with most of their conversations. Their friend group is real entertaining and the reason they get together for the holidays each year was both sweet and sad. Hayden just writes amazing friendships!!
𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐨𝐫.
December 12, 2024
Format: 📱eBook 📱 (ARC)
Check CWs before reading
Not only does this book tick the need for Christmas romances (which I am utterly obsessed with at the moment), but the rest of the tropes present are *chefs kiss* - billionaire, second chance, single mom AND forced proximity? Locke set up an amazing read from that alone.
What she delivered was a sweet, deeply emotional story of two people reconnecting and falling in love. There's a lot of character growth and development, an already established found family, which adds more members through the course of the pages, and some genuinely sweet (and spicy!) moments.
This book connects to Locke's The Draft series, though reading is not required to understand this story (though I do highly recommend that series). I absolutely adored the concept of the "Bucket List Christmas" that Luca and is gang have set out on every year since college, and when you hear the story behind it, it both melts you and brings tears to your eyes.
The MC's are amazing in this - Leigh, who's always putting her son and his happiness first. She'd do anything for that little boy, and I love how fiercely protective of him she is (as well as fiercely protective of her heart). Luca is the quintessential grumpy, alpha-hole billionaire, but Leigh and her son slowly chip away at that moody exterior, even if Leigh fights it the whole way. I loved Luca's growth throughout the story, and how he truly earned a place in Leigh's heart.
I'd definitely love to read more of Luca and Leigh down the track, as well as the rest of the boys' stories, which I am hopeful are next in the series - though it's going to be a long wait until December next year to read the next instalment.
Thank you to the author for the eARC opportunity. These are my honest thoughts that I have provided voluntarily.
Check CWs before reading
Not only does this book tick the need for Christmas romances (which I am utterly obsessed with at the moment), but the rest of the tropes present are *chefs kiss* - billionaire, second chance, single mom AND forced proximity? Locke set up an amazing read from that alone.
What she delivered was a sweet, deeply emotional story of two people reconnecting and falling in love. There's a lot of character growth and development, an already established found family, which adds more members through the course of the pages, and some genuinely sweet (and spicy!) moments.
This book connects to Locke's The Draft series, though reading is not required to understand this story (though I do highly recommend that series). I absolutely adored the concept of the "Bucket List Christmas" that Luca and is gang have set out on every year since college, and when you hear the story behind it, it both melts you and brings tears to your eyes.
The MC's are amazing in this - Leigh, who's always putting her son and his happiness first. She'd do anything for that little boy, and I love how fiercely protective of him she is (as well as fiercely protective of her heart). Luca is the quintessential grumpy, alpha-hole billionaire, but Leigh and her son slowly chip away at that moody exterior, even if Leigh fights it the whole way. I loved Luca's growth throughout the story, and how he truly earned a place in Leigh's heart.
I'd definitely love to read more of Luca and Leigh down the track, as well as the rest of the boys' stories, which I am hopeful are next in the series - though it's going to be a long wait until December next year to read the next instalment.
Thank you to the author for the eARC opportunity. These are my honest thoughts that I have provided voluntarily.
December 14, 2024
I’m always so excited when Hayden Locke publishes a book. I love her writing style so much. I was a tad bit hesitant when some of the tropes popped up that I don’t necessarily like but I had faith that she would make me at least enjoy it. Well I didn’t just enjoy it, I loved it!!! The characters were all fantastic and Luca was such a jerk but also so sweet 🥹 honestly he’s my favorite kind of MMC! We met Luca and Leigh Renegade Ruin so I highly suggest reading that one, it’s one of my favorites. Leigh has kept a secret from Luca for almost 2 years and that didn’t sit well with me so I was hesitant to love her in the beginning. I’m such a character driven reader and this book delivered not only great characters but a super fun storyline that had me wondering the whole time. I’m such a sucker for the “found family” trope and I loved Luca’s friends so much. They took both Leigh and her son in as if they’ve known them forever. When Luca met Zach my heart literally melted 🥹 I loved their connection and at one point I messaged Hayden and told her I would “riot” if he wasn’t Zach’s dad. This book is a Christmas book but it’s not overly Christmassy if that makes sense. It’s the perfect amount of Christmas, angst, smut and cuteness!!
December 16, 2024
Once again a knock out of the ballpark, what a great second chance Christmas story! After having a tryst 2 years earlier with her childhood enemy which gave Leigh her son Zach. Now forced to work together on a Renegade Hearts project with a Luca who accused her of being a thief when they were younger causing her to have a unhappy life in their small town. Luca convinces Leigh to come out to Telluride with Zach who he was surprised to learn about to work on the project that has to be finished before the year is over. They have an attraction they can't deny & learn about how each has changed since their childhood and the struggles they both have endured as well as learn to forgive and trust again. Could they conquer and get over the past to have future they deserve together. Absolutely loved all the characters in this story. Can't wait for the next story in the Bucket List Boys, so glad I found Hayden.
December 12, 2024
What a perfect story for warming your heart this Christmas. It's the perfect friends to lovers romance, sprinkled with some baby daddy drama and the best found family ever. Telluride has a magic bubble over this group but somehow it manages to follow them into the real world and give that happily ever after with one of the best proposals I've read in a long while.
I loved Zach, the 2 year old, in this story. Unlike some authors who make the children too smart for their own good, she kept Zach as an innocent child, complete with temper tantrums. I loved that when he spoke it was done in the way of a true 2 year old without the ability to make full words or sentences. Truly kept it real.
While i'm not normally one who would pick up and willingly read a secret baby trope, my love of the author's other works told me to pick it up anyway and read it. So glad I did because I loved everything about this story. I loved how both of the characters grew and adapted to their situation throughout the story and surprisingly - they communicated when they needed to, thereby reducing a lot of the drama that could have been added. And the way Luca talked Leigh through her first panic attack with the efficiency of a pro just made him all the more perfect in my eyes. Can't wait until next Christmas to read more from the Bucket List Boys.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved Zach, the 2 year old, in this story. Unlike some authors who make the children too smart for their own good, she kept Zach as an innocent child, complete with temper tantrums. I loved that when he spoke it was done in the way of a true 2 year old without the ability to make full words or sentences. Truly kept it real.
While i'm not normally one who would pick up and willingly read a secret baby trope, my love of the author's other works told me to pick it up anyway and read it. So glad I did because I loved everything about this story. I loved how both of the characters grew and adapted to their situation throughout the story and surprisingly - they communicated when they needed to, thereby reducing a lot of the drama that could have been added. And the way Luca talked Leigh through her first panic attack with the efficiency of a pro just made him all the more perfect in my eyes. Can't wait until next Christmas to read more from the Bucket List Boys.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 13, 2024
Oh, Leigh. If I was Luca, I think I would have raged a bit more than he did. I get why she did it, but also, what a low blow to the man. I was glad both her and Luca had the rest of the Bucket List Christmas bros to talk some sense into them. Because everyone could see their chemistry a mile away, but to really get down to what they truly wanted from each other? Yea, they both needed a little help.
As for the Bucket List Christmas bros...I'm in love. You think this book is going to be all smut and romance, but it also really leans into the found family trope. One of my favorites. I love how absolutely dedicated these guys are to one another. They really show you want family is supposed to be, even if you're not related by blood.
I loved that Hayden gave us a little side series to learn more about the characters we see (will maybe see more of?) in The Draft series. I have a feeling I know who is going to be the MMC of book two, and with the hints we were getting in this one, I can't wait to see his story.
Thanks Hayden Locke, for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
As for the Bucket List Christmas bros...I'm in love. You think this book is going to be all smut and romance, but it also really leans into the found family trope. One of my favorites. I love how absolutely dedicated these guys are to one another. They really show you want family is supposed to be, even if you're not related by blood.
I loved that Hayden gave us a little side series to learn more about the characters we see (will maybe see more of?) in The Draft series. I have a feeling I know who is going to be the MMC of book two, and with the hints we were getting in this one, I can't wait to see his story.
Thanks Hayden Locke, for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
December 11, 2024
“Think of it as a work trip with a little tinsel.”
Leigh is ready to spend Christmas with her 2 year old son and ignore the work world. However, there is just one work project left to do before break and it just so happens to be with a man she has been avoiding for years.
Luca has some regrets in life, the biggest being what happened between him and Leigh in high school. Now that he has found her again and discovered they may have more between them then he expected he is ready to jump in feet first!
“It’s not just a possibility of wanting this with Leigh. It’s an absolute. Now I just have to convince her to give me a chance to prove I can be everything Zach needs. And hopefully something she needs too.”
Leigh and Luca had a lot to work out when they reunited and it certainly wasn’t a calming reunion but I loved every bit of their story. They were total opposites with how they handled their lives but together were great. The Bucket List Boys were also so fun and I hope we get a new guy’s story each holiday season!
Thank you @hayden_locke_author for the ARC!
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥: “Now be a good boy and kiss me under the mistletoe.”
Leigh is ready to spend Christmas with her 2 year old son and ignore the work world. However, there is just one work project left to do before break and it just so happens to be with a man she has been avoiding for years.
Luca has some regrets in life, the biggest being what happened between him and Leigh in high school. Now that he has found her again and discovered they may have more between them then he expected he is ready to jump in feet first!
“It’s not just a possibility of wanting this with Leigh. It’s an absolute. Now I just have to convince her to give me a chance to prove I can be everything Zach needs. And hopefully something she needs too.”
Leigh and Luca had a lot to work out when they reunited and it certainly wasn’t a calming reunion but I loved every bit of their story. They were total opposites with how they handled their lives but together were great. The Bucket List Boys were also so fun and I hope we get a new guy’s story each holiday season!
Thank you @hayden_locke_author for the ARC!
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥: “Now be a good boy and kiss me under the mistletoe.”
December 14, 2024
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes:
❤️single mom
🎄Christmas theme
❤️family dynamic
🎄second chance
❤️baseball team owner
🎄enemies to lovers
❤️forced proximity
🎄dual pov
This is a short, Christmas themed, sweet and sassy book set in the Renegades baseball world by author Hayden Locke. This is Luca and Leigh’s story.
Luca and Leigh had one night thing going on 3 years ago, which was also the same week she had a random hook up. After that week , Leigh ends up pregnant but no idea who the father is and Luca has no idea considering Luca and Leigh have been enemies for years….
Fast forward a couple years later
Leigh’s son , Zach is now 2 and Leigh is forced to bring him to a trip to Telluride to work on a project for Renegade Hearts with Luca .
This was a really cute and fun Christmas book with all the family feels . Lucas buddies are his family and I love the reason behind their annual trip.
If ur looking for quick fun read at the holidays definitely check this one out
Tropes:
❤️single mom
🎄Christmas theme
❤️family dynamic
🎄second chance
❤️baseball team owner
🎄enemies to lovers
❤️forced proximity
🎄dual pov
This is a short, Christmas themed, sweet and sassy book set in the Renegades baseball world by author Hayden Locke. This is Luca and Leigh’s story.
Luca and Leigh had one night thing going on 3 years ago, which was also the same week she had a random hook up. After that week , Leigh ends up pregnant but no idea who the father is and Luca has no idea considering Luca and Leigh have been enemies for years….
Fast forward a couple years later
Leigh’s son , Zach is now 2 and Leigh is forced to bring him to a trip to Telluride to work on a project for Renegade Hearts with Luca .
This was a really cute and fun Christmas book with all the family feels . Lucas buddies are his family and I love the reason behind their annual trip.
If ur looking for quick fun read at the holidays definitely check this one out
December 12, 2024
I devoured this book as soon as I could read it! I love Luca and Leigh’s story and can’t wait to see more from the Bucket List Boys! Enzo was definitely a fave coming in with the hard truths and Holt and Bash were awesome. My little why choose heart would’ve loved a real “our baby mama” situation 😂 but I can’t wait to see their love stories! Also, I now need to follow this author forever in case she decides to write their OG meet cute as a bonus chapter 🫠. The story didn’t need it at all, but I’d devour it like I did this. I’m also a total a sucker for seeing things after and how it affects them as they navigate coming together again. Luca is the best Golden Retriever masquerading as a Doberman and Leigh was a sharp, funny and bold FMC. Her response during the restaurant scene 🙌🏼👏🏼🙌🏼
Can’t wait to read more from this author!
Can’t wait to read more from this author!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2024
Oh, hello, favorite holiday read of 2024. I loved everything about this one. There was just enough Christmas to make it feel like a holiday story, but it had a real, distinct storyline outside of Christmas which I really appreciated.
Leigh had a ons with the man who single-handedly ruined her childhood. Luca regrets how he treated Leigh when they were younger and has been wanting to make amends, and then when he finds out he *might* have child with her, he’ll do anything to show her that he is not the boy he used to be. His yearly Bucket List Christmas trip is the perfect time to do it.
Luca is nothing like what he appears to be on the surface, and as Leigh starts to realize that, you can’t help but hope these two end up with an HEA. Seeing him interact with Leigh’s son was adorable. And when the spice hits, it HITS. When Luca shows his submissive side, I was a puddle. A boiling hot puddle.
I loved Luca’s brother and friends, and I absolutely need a Bucket List Christmas book for each of them!
Leigh had a ons with the man who single-handedly ruined her childhood. Luca regrets how he treated Leigh when they were younger and has been wanting to make amends, and then when he finds out he *might* have child with her, he’ll do anything to show her that he is not the boy he used to be. His yearly Bucket List Christmas trip is the perfect time to do it.
Luca is nothing like what he appears to be on the surface, and as Leigh starts to realize that, you can’t help but hope these two end up with an HEA. Seeing him interact with Leigh’s son was adorable. And when the spice hits, it HITS. When Luca shows his submissive side, I was a puddle. A boiling hot puddle.
I loved Luca’s brother and friends, and I absolutely need a Bucket List Christmas book for each of them!
December 12, 2024
Luca is absolutely everything. Leigh has such a filthy mouth. I love it. “Now be a good boy and kiss me under the mistletoe.” Did I mention there’s mistletoe on her panties?
This had everything, spice, heartfelt moments, Christmas spirit.
-enemies(ish) to lovers
-forced proximity
-who’s the dad troupe
-tells her to drown him
Luca is obsessed with Leigh. One hate filled s*x night up against the vending machine. 2 years and 9 months later… Luca and Leigh are forced to work together and Luca finds out Leigh has a son. When Luca thinks back to that night… the math is mathing. But is Zach his? Can Luca and Leigh work together?
This was so cute and perfect.
This had everything, spice, heartfelt moments, Christmas spirit.
-enemies(ish) to lovers
-forced proximity
-who’s the dad troupe
-tells her to drown him
Luca is obsessed with Leigh. One hate filled s*x night up against the vending machine. 2 years and 9 months later… Luca and Leigh are forced to work together and Luca finds out Leigh has a son. When Luca thinks back to that night… the math is mathing. But is Zach his? Can Luca and Leigh work together?
This was so cute and perfect.
December 15, 2024
Crack is what this book came with. I couldn't put it down( but I had to at times, cause life. )
I loved how dominant Leigh was and how Luca just melted to the floor and did as she commanded. He ruined her life, so she ruins his heart. I love the parts in a single mom romance when the MMC falls for the kid just as hard. That was Luca and Zack. He was all in once he learned Zack wad possibly his. 🙈
I loved how dominant Leigh was and how Luca just melted to the floor and did as she commanded. He ruined her life, so she ruins his heart. I love the parts in a single mom romance when the MMC falls for the kid just as hard. That was Luca and Zack. He was all in once he learned Zack wad possibly his. 🙈
December 9, 2024
Hayden has done it again! She has created a book that has completely captivated me! I read this book over 2 days because I just couldn't put it down!
Tinsel in Telluride is a charming love/hate story between characters we have previously met in her book, "Renegade Ruin". Don't let the charming part fool you though, this woman knows how to write with some spice! The setting for this book was perfect for gearing up the holiday season.
Reading "Renegade Ruin" is not a necessary precursor, but do yourself a favor and read it if you haven't already.
Hayden has a way of creating characters that you can't help but root for and fall in love with. Her attention to detail really paints a beautiful canvas any reader can imagine.
I absolutely cannot wait for the next installment of this series!
Tinsel in Telluride is a charming love/hate story between characters we have previously met in her book, "Renegade Ruin". Don't let the charming part fool you though, this woman knows how to write with some spice! The setting for this book was perfect for gearing up the holiday season.
Reading "Renegade Ruin" is not a necessary precursor, but do yourself a favor and read it if you haven't already.
Hayden has a way of creating characters that you can't help but root for and fall in love with. Her attention to detail really paints a beautiful canvas any reader can imagine.
I absolutely cannot wait for the next installment of this series!
December 16, 2024
This story was perfect for the holiday season with its Christmas theme, being an easy read, and funny, and with its spicy scenes. The Bucket List guys were loyal to their tradition and their friendship which made Leigh love them right away.
Luca and Leigh’s chemistry was one neither could ignore even with Zach’s parentage in question. Luca jumps both feet in personality is both perfect and destructive. He gets himself in trouble with Leigh in this book but you can’t help love him for it. These two are opposites in their personalities but they balance one another out and work great together. I loved that Luca and Leigh finally got their book after hints of a past in Renegade Ruin.
Luca and Leigh’s chemistry was one neither could ignore even with Zach’s parentage in question. Luca jumps both feet in personality is both perfect and destructive. He gets himself in trouble with Leigh in this book but you can’t help love him for it. These two are opposites in their personalities but they balance one another out and work great together. I loved that Luca and Leigh finally got their book after hints of a past in Renegade Ruin.
December 10, 2024
The way Hayden tackled the intricacies of Luca and Leigh's shared past tugged repeatedly at the heart strings, pulling me into the story from the get go until I felt like a voyer in the life of real people. Luca's inner monologue held me on the edge of my seat hoping that he would one day get what he had been dreaming of for years. While Leigh touched me on a personal level, her fears entirely relatable and often ones I shared alongside her. Truly a worthy read and certainly one that brings back some of that Christmas magic.
December 11, 2024
This is the third book from Hayden Locke I've read and she absolutely has my heart!!
This story features Leigh & Luca, and Leigh's son, Zach. We first meet these two MC's in Hayden's book, Renegade Ruin, from the Draft Series (fantastic book...5+ stars), but this book kicks off a new series about Luca and his 3 best friends from college.
This book was sexy and heart-warming. Little Zach is adorable, and I was rooting for these characters from the beginning!
This story features Leigh & Luca, and Leigh's son, Zach. We first meet these two MC's in Hayden's book, Renegade Ruin, from the Draft Series (fantastic book...5+ stars), but this book kicks off a new series about Luca and his 3 best friends from college.
This book was sexy and heart-warming. Little Zach is adorable, and I was rooting for these characters from the beginning!
December 10, 2024
I received an ARC but all thoughts are my own.
I really enjoyed this Christmas story that included a little bit of the Renegades but did a fantastic job of introducing a new series. I feel like anyone could pick this book up, whether you've read her previous book or not.
I love Leigh and Luca! Their backstory added a little extra oomph and I've been waiting to learn more about them since Renegade Ruin. Watching Luca with Zach was beyond heartwarming and I love how his group of friends just basically adopted Zach and Leigh.
If you're looking for a Christmas/Holiday book that maybe has a bit more bite and a little dash of angst, this is for you. While it's filled with a ton of heartwarming things like snowball fights, sleigh rides and other typical winter fun, it's still a story of two people trying to figure things out without overwhelming a child and each other.
I really enjoyed this Christmas story that included a little bit of the Renegades but did a fantastic job of introducing a new series. I feel like anyone could pick this book up, whether you've read her previous book or not.
I love Leigh and Luca! Their backstory added a little extra oomph and I've been waiting to learn more about them since Renegade Ruin. Watching Luca with Zach was beyond heartwarming and I love how his group of friends just basically adopted Zach and Leigh.
If you're looking for a Christmas/Holiday book that maybe has a bit more bite and a little dash of angst, this is for you. While it's filled with a ton of heartwarming things like snowball fights, sleigh rides and other typical winter fun, it's still a story of two people trying to figure things out without overwhelming a child and each other.
December 14, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
I absolutely LOVED Midnight Renegade and Renegade Ruin, so I knew this one was going to be amazing - especially with the ONS + surprise baby trope. 🤭
This book was incredibly sweet—I’m a sucker for a good "he falls first" trope, and Luca didn’t just fall for Leigh but for Zach too! The way his brother and best friends also fell for Zach? Be still my heart.
The slow burn between these two was perfection, and the spice hit just right.
Did I tear up at the ending? Absolutely. Hayden Locke knows how to pull you into all the feels in the best way possible.
Thank you so much to Hayden Locke for the ARC! ☃️
I absolutely LOVED Midnight Renegade and Renegade Ruin, so I knew this one was going to be amazing - especially with the ONS + surprise baby trope. 🤭
This book was incredibly sweet—I’m a sucker for a good "he falls first" trope, and Luca didn’t just fall for Leigh but for Zach too! The way his brother and best friends also fell for Zach? Be still my heart.
The slow burn between these two was perfection, and the spice hit just right.
Did I tear up at the ending? Absolutely. Hayden Locke knows how to pull you into all the feels in the best way possible.
Thank you so much to Hayden Locke for the ARC! ☃️
December 12, 2024
Some of my favorite troupes all wrapped up into a fun holiday read. Found family, enemies to lovers (lite), and a baby. It was such a sweet and fun holiday read. I loved Luca’s personality and fumbles. It was years in the making. ❤️😍
December 19, 2024
I absolutely adored this book!! I fell in love with Hayden Locke after reading Renegade Ruin, and this story has some cameos with some of those characters. Leigh and Luca are HOTTTTTTTTTTT together!!!!! The enemies to lovers aspect is perfect in this book. The chemistry between them is absolute fire! The banter is entertaining and fits the story so well! Perfect Christmas story! I adored the relationship that Leigh developed with Luca’s friends and brother too!! Watching Luca fall in love with not only Leigh, but her son too. This book made me happy!!! Can’t wait to get the rest of the boys stories!!!
Enemies to Lovers
Found Family
Alphahole to perfect man
One night stand
Fun Banter
Billionaire
Baby Mama
Maybe Baby Daddy
Sports Related
Forced Proximity
Christmas
Enemies to Lovers
Found Family
Alphahole to perfect man
One night stand
Fun Banter
Billionaire
Baby Mama
Maybe Baby Daddy
Sports Related
Forced Proximity
Christmas
December 13, 2024
Loved reading the awesome and amazing romance story. When Luca invites Leigh and her son to spend the Christmas holidays with his twin brother and two best friends, Luca makes amends with Leigh and tries to win her heart. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written with captivating characters, and a must read riveting love story.
March 2, 2025
I fell in love with Hayden’s writing when I read Renegade Ruin — Tinsel in Telluride features some of the characters you would have met in Willow’s story. You don’t have to of read Renegade Ruin to jump into Leigh and Luca’s story but take gentle encouragement from me, it’s worth it.
Leigh and Luca aren’t friends, in fact Luca single-handedly ruined Leigh’s childhood. So when they end up having a hate-f*ck one night stand Leigh actively avoids Luca for the next few years until as part of her role in Renegades Hearts puts them on the same project, at the same time.
Luca wants to make amends, but when he finds out he is also potentially now a father he insists that Leigh and Zach join him in Telluride with the Bucket List Boys, his yearly Bucket List Christmas Trip!
Luca is the exact opposite of what Leigh perceives him to be. As Leigh begins to spend more time with Luca, and seeing him interact with her son Zach her view begins to alter. You can’t help but root for their HEA and the spice has the ability to have your cheeks burning, and you smirking so dang hard at the same time!
Hayden has me hooked on the Bucket List Boys and I can’t wait to dive into Book 2 Christmas 2025!
Leigh and Luca aren’t friends, in fact Luca single-handedly ruined Leigh’s childhood. So when they end up having a hate-f*ck one night stand Leigh actively avoids Luca for the next few years until as part of her role in Renegades Hearts puts them on the same project, at the same time.
Luca wants to make amends, but when he finds out he is also potentially now a father he insists that Leigh and Zach join him in Telluride with the Bucket List Boys, his yearly Bucket List Christmas Trip!
Luca is the exact opposite of what Leigh perceives him to be. As Leigh begins to spend more time with Luca, and seeing him interact with her son Zach her view begins to alter. You can’t help but root for their HEA and the spice has the ability to have your cheeks burning, and you smirking so dang hard at the same time!
Hayden has me hooked on the Bucket List Boys and I can’t wait to dive into Book 2 Christmas 2025!
December 11, 2024
✨️ARC REVIEW✨️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5/5
"I’ve become the worst kind of thief. Because, unlike jewelry, time can never be replaced."
When they were younger, Luca accused Leigh of stealing a family heirloom and the consequences of that kept them enemies for years. The hate and anger fueled a steamy tryst in a vending machine closet at a work event years later and Leigh's son, Zach, was born. Luca and Leigh needed to work together for Renegade Hearts and he suspected he might be Zach's father so he convinced her to meet in Telluride on his Christmas getaway with his friends.
Let the Christmas festivities begin!
I absolutely loved this!! Luca Donati for Dad of the year! He wanted nothing more than to have a family of his own and he jumped in without hesitation when he found out Zach could be his. I loved how he stepped up, making up for lost time, loving Zach as his own despite the uncertain issue of paternity. The way he broke down Leigh's walls, patiently and persistently letting her in as he became vulnerable and clear with his intentions, going above and beyond to prove to her that he wasn't the man he used to be. Honestly, surprise pregnancy is one of my least favorite tropes as it needs to be done just right and THIS was written perfectly! I was fully invested and loved Luca so much!! I loved how hard he tried and his thoughtfulness towards both Leigh and Zach. And Zach was just the sweetest little boy filled with wonder and mischief and you're just going to want to give him the world!
What could your future look like? How do you create a family with those who mean the most to you? What do you risk losing? How do you rise above the fear and uncertainty? Filled with heartfelt moments, heated emotions and holiday antics, Tinsel in Telluride was about love and loss and finding the family you deserve. It was about surrounding yourself with friends who support you unconditionally and maybe finding true love along the way. I loved reading Luca and Leigh's story, giggling one minute and then tearing up the next! And I especially loved the Bucket List Boys! I can't wait for all of them to find their own happy endings!
✨️Christmas Romance
✨️One Night Stand/Surprise Baby
✨️Enemies to Lovers
✨️Forced Proximity
✨️Found Family
✨️Billionaire
✨️He Falls First
*Special thanks to author Hayden Locke for the ARC!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5/5
"I’ve become the worst kind of thief. Because, unlike jewelry, time can never be replaced."
When they were younger, Luca accused Leigh of stealing a family heirloom and the consequences of that kept them enemies for years. The hate and anger fueled a steamy tryst in a vending machine closet at a work event years later and Leigh's son, Zach, was born. Luca and Leigh needed to work together for Renegade Hearts and he suspected he might be Zach's father so he convinced her to meet in Telluride on his Christmas getaway with his friends.
Let the Christmas festivities begin!
I absolutely loved this!! Luca Donati for Dad of the year! He wanted nothing more than to have a family of his own and he jumped in without hesitation when he found out Zach could be his. I loved how he stepped up, making up for lost time, loving Zach as his own despite the uncertain issue of paternity. The way he broke down Leigh's walls, patiently and persistently letting her in as he became vulnerable and clear with his intentions, going above and beyond to prove to her that he wasn't the man he used to be. Honestly, surprise pregnancy is one of my least favorite tropes as it needs to be done just right and THIS was written perfectly! I was fully invested and loved Luca so much!! I loved how hard he tried and his thoughtfulness towards both Leigh and Zach. And Zach was just the sweetest little boy filled with wonder and mischief and you're just going to want to give him the world!
What could your future look like? How do you create a family with those who mean the most to you? What do you risk losing? How do you rise above the fear and uncertainty? Filled with heartfelt moments, heated emotions and holiday antics, Tinsel in Telluride was about love and loss and finding the family you deserve. It was about surrounding yourself with friends who support you unconditionally and maybe finding true love along the way. I loved reading Luca and Leigh's story, giggling one minute and then tearing up the next! And I especially loved the Bucket List Boys! I can't wait for all of them to find their own happy endings!
✨️Christmas Romance
✨️One Night Stand/Surprise Baby
✨️Enemies to Lovers
✨️Forced Proximity
✨️Found Family
✨️Billionaire
✨️He Falls First
*Special thanks to author Hayden Locke for the ARC!
January 6, 2025
Christmas Bucket List
I'm not a Christmas romance book person. Love all things romance, just not Christmas ones. It's the fallout from too many greeting card cable channel nothing but Christmas romance movies all the time burnout. But let me tell you, I Tinsel in Teluride is anything but your typical Christmas romance.
Set in Locke's Renegade world, Leighton is the woman who runs The Renegades charitable arm. She's a kickass, single mom who excels in everything, except her personal life. Leighton finds herself cornered into personally working with a team owner over Christmas, who may or may not, be her son's father.
He's not happy she kept her son a secret.
He's also her life long enemy.
Eggnog, anyone?
Luca is the owner of a West Coast team, and the man who made Leighton's youth unbearable. Finding out he maybe a father, he'll do anything to get the family he's desperately always wanted, even break his own No Women at the Christmas Bucket List get together with his twin and college roommates. And the real challenge, he has to convince Leighton he's not the same person who ruined her teenage life.
What works for me is this story has teeth. Christmas is the backdrop, it's not propping the story up at all. This is enemies to lovers at its best. Throw in second chance and secret baby, and the tropes are framing the book. There's banter and snark. The college roommates are a delicious bunch. There's also deep, real emotion. That is a hallmark of Hayden Locke, she's not afraid to make you feel.
The path to a win for these two isn't a walk in the park. But hey, it is a Christmas romance, so the HEA is tied up with ribbon. But it's a satisfying gift to yourself. And the promise of more Christmas Bucket List romances will keep you coming back for more. Even me, the Ebenezer Scrooge of Christmas romance.
I'm not a Christmas romance book person. Love all things romance, just not Christmas ones. It's the fallout from too many greeting card cable channel nothing but Christmas romance movies all the time burnout. But let me tell you, I Tinsel in Teluride is anything but your typical Christmas romance.
Set in Locke's Renegade world, Leighton is the woman who runs The Renegades charitable arm. She's a kickass, single mom who excels in everything, except her personal life. Leighton finds herself cornered into personally working with a team owner over Christmas, who may or may not, be her son's father.
He's not happy she kept her son a secret.
He's also her life long enemy.
Eggnog, anyone?
Luca is the owner of a West Coast team, and the man who made Leighton's youth unbearable. Finding out he maybe a father, he'll do anything to get the family he's desperately always wanted, even break his own No Women at the Christmas Bucket List get together with his twin and college roommates. And the real challenge, he has to convince Leighton he's not the same person who ruined her teenage life.
What works for me is this story has teeth. Christmas is the backdrop, it's not propping the story up at all. This is enemies to lovers at its best. Throw in second chance and secret baby, and the tropes are framing the book. There's banter and snark. The college roommates are a delicious bunch. There's also deep, real emotion. That is a hallmark of Hayden Locke, she's not afraid to make you feel.
The path to a win for these two isn't a walk in the park. But hey, it is a Christmas romance, so the HEA is tied up with ribbon. But it's a satisfying gift to yourself. And the promise of more Christmas Bucket List romances will keep you coming back for more. Even me, the Ebenezer Scrooge of Christmas romance.
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